Further housing development planned in Morton

The village of Morton could be expanding in size once again as plans to build 34 new homes were announced at a presentation to the parish council on Tuesday last week.

Developer Larkfleet Homes is proposing to build a development of 34 new homes on Bourne Road in Morton.

If the housing firm’s bid to build is successful the village could benefit from up to £17,000 from Larkfleet’s new Community Fund to be spent on improving the village.

Typical uses of the money are to enhance public open spaces, improve village amenities, pay for consultant expertise on obtaining other grants and funding which could be attracted by the parish council.

The presentation to Morton and Hanthorpe Parish Council was made by Richard Astle from Athene Communications on behalf of Larkfleet in the open public forum section of the meeting.

Larkfleet Homes is keen to hear residents’ views on its proposals and is holding a public exhibition on Tuesday, November 20, from 1pm to 7pm at Morton Church Hall, for people to attend and view the plans.

Leaflets were delivered to village homes on Wednesday last week informing residents of the public exhibition.

Members of the development project team will be on hand at the exhibition to answer questions and take feedback on board.

Land director at Larkfleet Group David Connolly, said: “We want to make sure that people are properly consulted on these proposals. I would urge local residents to come along to have their say and have their questions answered at our public exhibition.”

“We hope that the development will bring real benefits to Morton, especially through our Community Fund, should our proposals become a reality.”

At the presentation councillors pointed out that the proper availability of school places will need to be been taken into account for any future development as it has not for Larkfleet’s previous development.

Larkfleet Homes began construction on a 20-home development in Bourne Road, Morton in July,

It is currently building 12 two-bedroom houses, two two-bedroom bungalows and two four-bedroom houses which will be offered for affordable rent through Longhurst and Havelok Homes.

Four two-bedroom properties will be available for shared ownership.

A spokesman from Larkfleet Homes said the company is responding to a need for affordable and open market homes in the area, and the proposed development will go some way to meeting this local need.

The vast majority of houses in the proposed development on Bourne Road will be available to buy. It will also include a small area of public open space.

The parish council chairman the Rev David Creasey thanked Mr Astle for his presentation and pointed out that no further discussion could take place on the matter until an application came before the Council.

He also stated that it was important residents of the village were able to see and comment on the proposals,

He thought it was unlikely that villagers would look favourably upon an increase in the size of the village.

Larkfleet will apply for planning permission in January 2013. Should the application be successful it would aim to start construction in August 2013 to be completed by February 2014.